Head of Controls Engineering

Job type: Full Time · Department: Controls Engineering · Work type: On-Site Head of Controls Engineering Palo Alto, CA | Full-time | Member of Technical Staff About Matter At Matter, we’re rebuilding America’s industrial might to fuel humanity’s boldest ambitions from Earth to Mars. Amid a $10T crisis of lost factories and fragile supply chains, we’re creating AI-powered, software-defined contract manufacturing factories that launch 3x faster, scale 5x more efficiently, and adapt in minutes. Our focus: high-complexity assemblies like humanoid robots, drones, AI infrastructure, and satellites. Backed by Tesla and Rivian veterans, we’re building a self-learning factory network — manufacturing’s ChatGPT moment. If you’re a top engineer, controls innovator, or builder ready to tackle trillion-dollar challenges, join us in re-industrializing the West and beyond. Role Overview We are seeking a Head of Controls Engineering to design and lead the complex controls systems that power Matter’s software-defined factories. This leader will sit at the critical junction of hardware, software, and automation, architecting how machines, robotics, and production systems integrate with MatterOS to create self-learning, adaptive factories. This is a founding role with broad scope: you’ll develop scalable controls architectures, integrate diverse industrial equipment into unified platforms, and ensure seamless real-time interaction between physical systems and AI-driven orchestration. Key Responsibilities Define and lead Matter’s controls and automation strategy, aligning with Matter OS and AI orchestration layers. Architect scalable controls frameworks to integrate robotics, PLCs, vision systems, motion systems, and industrial automation hardware. Drive real-time data integration pipelines connecting machines to Matter OS for predictive analytics, closed-loop feedback, and adaptive control. Lead development of digital twins and virtual commissioning workflows, ensuring rapid deployment and debugging of complex systems. Establish standards for safety, redundancy, and fault-tolerant design in mission-critical manufacturing systems. Partner with software and manufacturing engineering to design APIs, drivers, and middleware for equipment interoperability. Mentor and grow a founding controls and automation team, spanning PLC engineers, robotics integrators, and industrial software developers. Collaborate with OEMs, system integrators, and suppliers to validate and scale control solutions across multiple factory sites. Qualifications 7+ years of experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, or mechatronics, with leadership responsibilities. Deep knowledge of PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, etc.), motion control, robotics integration, and SCADA/HMI systems. Strong software experience: scripting (Python, C++, Node.js, etc.), industrial communication protocols (OPC-UA, MQTT, EtherCAT, Modbus), and real-time systems. Proven track record of integrating controls with higher-level software platforms, ideally MES, ERP, or AI-driven orchestration systems. Experience with digital twin technologies, virtual commissioning, and factory simulation tools. Hands-on background in safety systems, fault tolerance, and compliance (UL, CE, ISO). Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, startup environment, balancing strategic design with hands-on debugging. Previous experience at Tesla, Rivian, Apple, Anduril, or other advanced manufacturing environments strongly preferred. Why Join Us At Matter, you’ll be the architect of how machines and software converge to create the world’s first self-learning factory network. This is a unique opportunity to: Build the controls backbone of a generational company redefining global manufacturing. Own significant equity and play a pivotal role in the “Reindustrialize America” movement and be at the frontier of Physical AI Operate at the intersection of AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing, where supply chain resilience defines competitive advantage. Shape execution across frontier programs — from satellites to AI infrastructure to defense robotics. Build the systems and culture that will scale Matter from one factory to a global network. One of the fastest growing hardtech startups in the Valley #J-18808-Ljbffr